Pages

Monday, April 17, 2006

Lamb Report:
As soon as it was dark last night, a pack of coyotes out near the hayfield burst into song. If these creatures didn't pose such a threat to my sheep, I do believe I would find their nighttime serenades rather pleasant. As it was, though, the dogs went crazy barking at them, and I, well, I did what one can do when they are miles from anywhere and anyone--I raised my head up high, took a deep breath, and let out a long, loud howl. That shut them up.

But as I mentioned previously, coyotes aren't the only danger lurking in the darkness. I thought the all night barkathon was for the coyotes' benefit, but this morning I found a murdered armadillo just a few feet from the barnyard—and one bad ass beagle covered with dried blood.

Current Lamb Count: 16. Known Dog Victories Over Menacing Predators: 1. And no, I don't think the armadillo got the lambs, but they're destructive, awful creatures, especially in the garden. Plus the dogs despise them.

18 comments:

Susan, while reading your entry today,"Where the Red Fern Grows" popped into my head. Is there a writer lurking in the shadows? You have the material and gift.Now, where are those children's books?...a retired teacher.

I am glad to hear that the lambie pies are all okay and that the Beagle did it's job. Now what about a bubble bath for a job well done?

So howling at the coyotes shuts them up. What can you prescribe for teenagers whose music can be heard in my house with all the windows shut? Please any suggestions will be appreciated. Can coyotes eat teenagers in moving cars?

Hi Mary Lou,"Where The Red Fern Grows" sounded familiar so I looked it up and realized that I don't think I know this book. I will have to check for it at the library.

Thanks for your kind words about my writing. As for a writer lurking in the shadows? Well, yes. Before I started blogging I wrote columns and articles for various publications--mostly food and garden related.

And when I first moved to the country, I published a newsletter for a couple of years full of lightheard stores about my new crazy life on the farm. Most people who read them said they should be collected into a book. I did send a book proposal to a couple of small publishers, but I really didn't pursue it as I didn't have enough finished material for a whole book.

My plan since I started Farmgirl Fare was to post some excerpts from the newsletters for people who want to read more about country life. One of these days. . . (Although this "food blog" seems to be turning into more of a "farm blog" anyway, LOL.)

I've never thought of writing for children, though. Interesting idea--and funny because vlb5757 just said last week that a story I was telling her regarding our llamas would make a great children's story. Hmmmm.

Hi Laurie,I hate to sound like a nature hater, but after a fair amount of experience with live ones, it is my opinion that the only good armadillo is a dead armadillo (or a live one living about a million miles from me). They are icky creatures.

They haven't been in Missouri very long--maybe 10 years. They migrated from the south which people said they'd never do because they couldn't cross the rivers. Well, guess what? Armadillos float!

Okay, interesting armadillo tidbit that I have tested on a real life armadillo: They cannot see things that aren't moving. So if you come upon one nibbling on things in the woods and they see you walking toward them, they get scared and either run or stand very still. But if you then stand still, they will go right back to what they are doing because they don't see you anymore.

Hi Vickie,Oh my. I don't know what Robin would do if I tried to give her a bubble bath. She's not really that kind of dog. What I should do is take her for a swim down in the river. : )

Teenagers and loud music problems, eh? I guess they probably wouldn't hear you howling at them. It might make you feel better though--and nobody else would probably hear you over the music!

I'm sure a coyote could eat a teenager in a moving car if the coyote was tossed into the car. : )

Hi Leigh,LOL, I love it. That's going to be her new cheer! She really is one special beagle. Hard to believe she's 9 years old already. She just loves living out here. There's always so much to do!

And here I was worrying about you and the wind out there! Actually, I always thought armadillos looked interesting, but didn't know what nasty little bandits they are. Live and learn. Robin, I'm sending you a virtual dog bone for being SUCH A GOOD BOY. And one for Farmgirl, for her howls!

Hi Barbara & Kat,Thanks so much for saying what a good job you think I'm doing defending the farm from monsters. Just one teeny tiny little detail I almost hate to bring up since you've been so nice, but. . . well, I'm a girl! : )

Ref noisy teenagers, all ideas welcomed for dealing with squealing 10 year olds whose insane parents, in an act of pure sadism, have inflicted a trampoline on the neighbourhood. Since this is a food blog, have thought of smearing melted butter on its surface. Oh, to be a thousand miles from nowhere....

It occurs to me that freedom to howl may be one of the most enticing aspects of the farm life. My apartment walls are pretty thick, but I wouldn't chance it.

The girls who live above me are very sedate, and I almost never hear them. One night, however, they decided to vacuum in the small hours and scared me to death.I woke and couldn't figure out what was happening. It sounded like a bombing raid.

We have armadillos like crazy around here, but it never once occurred to me to suspect them of garden mischief! Until now, that is. This could help me understand a lot of my unattributable garden incidents.

I don't know anything about armadillos, but am curious now that you bring them up in such negative terms - why does everyone comment badly about them? I do however have rats, and they are extremely social, loving creatures...

January 2013 update: I know word verification is a big pain, but it's the only way I can stop the ridiculous number of anonymous spam comments I get every day. I don't want to require commenters to be registered Blogger or Open ID users because I know many of you aren't. Thanks so much for your understanding!

Hi! Thanks for visiting Farmgirl Fare and taking the time to write. While I'm not always able to reply to every comment, I receive and enjoy reading them all.

Your feedback is greatly appreciated, and I especially love hearing about your experiences with my recipes. Comments on older posts are always welcome!

Please note that I moderate comments, so if I'm away from the computer it may be a while before yours appears.

I try my best to answer all questions, though sometimes it takes me a few days. And sometimes, I'm sorry to say, they fall through the cracks, and for that I sincerely apologize.

If you're waiting for a reply to your comment and have a Blogger profile (it's free to create one) you can check the NOTIFY ME box that is below and receive all follow up comments to just this specific post via email.

I look forward to hearing from you and hope you enjoy your e-visits to our farm!